There is a new name listed beside the 200 IM record in Georgia, and that person is Gunnar Bentz.

On Feb. 8 during the GHSA State Swimming and Diving Championships, the St. Pius senior recorded a time of 1:45.55 in the 200 IM to break the record previously set by Eric Shanteau in 2002.

“It was pretty old record so I was pretty excited about that,” Bentz said. “I knew I could do it because my best time was faster than the record so I was just trying to stay focused.”

Not only was Bentz successful, but the boys’ team registered 199 points to capture the Class A-AAAAA title.

“It was the first time we won as a team and much cooler since it is our senior year,” Bentz said.

Until he begins competing at Georgia next year, Bentz will continue swimming for the Dynamo Swim Club.

“I almost cancelled my recruiting trip there,” Bentz said. “I was looking at West coast schools. I’ve been there a bunch of times for swim meets but on my recruiting trip I realized how different it really is.”

Bentz plans to major in business at Georgia, where other members of the Dynamo team will enroll.

“I have a ton of friends on the team and it will be a great group of people to train with,” he said.

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